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Featured Review - Bare Bones Boogie Band "BBBBCD2" (UK)

 
 The Bare Bones Boogie Band's release "BBBBCD2", is my 2nd introduction to their amazing music. Their debut release caught my attention and caught it fast, of which I wrote in my review of it, "When I first listened to this Album, it was not long in before I came to the realization that this one was something really special. After I listened to it again I realized that I was not only listening to something very special but something very rare, especially in todays over cluttered blah blah music scene, in fact I can very honestly say that not only was this album the best I have heard so far in 2010, it is simply the best I have heard, in many years." Not only did I give that Album a 5***** Rating, I also picked it as Best UK Blues Album in my 2010 Year End Review and placed it at #5 on my Top Ten Albums List for 2010, as well.
 
Simply called "BBBBCD2", this album was released January 1, 2012, almost 2 years to the date of their debut release, and really the only noticeable difference, at least externally, is that the coloring of the bands name is blue instead of red as with their first album. Internally though, it is still all there. Great Rock, Blues, and Boogie performed via the steller lineup of Helen Turner (Vocals), Iain Black (Guitar), Trev Turley (Bass), and Andy Jones (Drums), the exact same lineup as their debut album, which I was really glad to see. The Bare Bones Boogie Band was formed in London in October 2008.
 
"BBBBCD2" consists of 10 Tracks of which 8 are originals written by Iain Black, 1 original written by Andy Jones, and 1 cover of Robert Johnson's "Love Is Vain". The Tracks from what I can remember from the first album, seemed to be a little slower in tempo, but certainly no less enjoyable to listen to, as they seem to have more fullness and maturity to them, which probably comes from the fact that the band has yet grown together for another 2 years, instrumentally and lyrically. Their sound, which continues to grow in leaps and bounds, I would best describe as a cross between a Ballad Driven Rolling Stones and a Vocal Driven Jefferson Airplane, especially with the amazing, second to none vocals of Helen Turner. The Bare Bones Boogie Band have managed to shake off all the excess baggage that to many modern days bands, don't quite know how to do yet, and in doing so they expose themselves to a more honest and creative sound, similar to a lot of the great Blues and Rock bands of the early 70's.
 
As far as picking a few favorites, which is not an easy task on such a intensely rich and full album as "BBBBCD2", their were however a few that stood out for more me just slightly more than the others. Track 1 "Fallin' For Foolin'", which is the opening Track, caught my attention for various reasons, but in the end it was how everyone seemed to come together perfectly on that song, with everyone getting in on the act and showing off their wares, especially Trev Turley's big Bass beat, something that he carries over onto the next 2 Track, even more so. My next favorite was Track 7 "Love Is Vain", a performance that would silence any doubters about the Vocal prowess of Helen Turner. Done a little slower than the Stone version, this version is no less powerful, especially from the middle part onwards, where Helen lets her Vocals fly. The next Track "A Little Bit More" caught my attention right away with the first few opening chords which reminded me a lot of Jethro Tull's "The Teacher". Again beautiful Vocals and exceptional Musicianship from the other members of the band which permeate this Track, as they do throughout "BBBBCD2".
 
With "BBBBCD2", the Bare Bones Boogie Band have certainly not fallen victim to the Sophomore Jinx, as they have managed to put out an album that is equal to, if not better than their Debut. "BBBBCD2" shows that they all had an intense desire to let it be known that they have matured and grown as a band, lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally, and they certainly have. "BBBBCD1" was certainly the icing on the cake, but "BBBBCD2" was the richness of the batter that ultimately wins over.
 
"BBBBCD2" is a wonderful 2nd album from a band whom is doing a wonderful service in making sounds that keeps our hopes alive for the future of the music industry, as one of their still young stars.
 
5*****... Highly Recommended and Thoroughly Enjoyed...
 
Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
 

Listen To Samples Here...
 
Additional Artist Info... http://www.barebonesboogieband.com/

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